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BYU vs Washington State 3/23/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

Washington State Cougars (21-14) vs. BYU Cougars (24-10)
March 23, 2022 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: BYU Cougars -3 / Washington State Cougars +3; Over/Under: 144
(Get latest betting odds)

The Washington State Cougars will travel to the Marriott Center to take on the BYU Cougars this Wednesday night in the Quarterfinals of the NIT.

The Washington State Cougars improved to 21-14 on the season after defeating the SMU Mustangs, 75-63, this past Sunday. Washington State was outstanding on both ends of the court in the 1st half and was able to hold off the Mustangs for the victory after taking a 39-20 lead into halftime. Washington State shot 35.4% shooting from the field & 25.0% from beyond the arc while allowing SMU to shoot 37.9% from the field & 20.0% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Cougars was Michael Flowers who had 22 points, 2 rebounds, & 3 assists.

On the season, Washington State is averaging 71.7 ppg on 40.6% shooting from the field. The Cougars are averaging 9.0 three-pointers per game on 33.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Washington State has been led by Michael Flowers (14.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.0 spg), Tyrell Roberts (11.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), Noah Williams (9.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg), & Efe Abogidi (8.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.8 bpg).

Defensively, Washington State is holding their opponents to an average of 64.9 ppg on 41.3% shooting from the field. The Cougars have a rebound margin of 2.0 and a turnover margin of 2.8.

The BYU Cougars improved to 24-10 on the season after defeating the Northern Iowa Panthers, 90-71, this past Saturday. BYU was outstanding on the offensive end against Northern Iowa and pulled away in the 2nd half after taking a 68-51 lead with 11:46 left in regulation. BYU shot 52.2% from the field & 43.2% from beyond the arc while allowing Northern Iowa to shoot 44.8% from the field & 40.7% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Cougars was Gideon George who had 27 points, 6 rebounds, & 1 assist.

On the season, BYU is averaging 74.7 ppg on 45.8% shooting from the field. The Cougars are averaging 8.1 three-pointers per game on 35.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, BYU has been led by Alex Barcello (16.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.0 spg), Te’Jon Lucas (10.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 4.8 apg), Fousseyni Traore (9.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.3 bpg), & Gideon George (8.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.2 apg).

Defensively, BYU is allowing their opponents to an average of 68.1 ppg on 41.9% shooting from the field. The Cougars have a rebound margin of 7.1 and a turnover margin of -1.7.

Washington State is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win & 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. BYU is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite, however, are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.

Washington State has been led by their defense which comes into this game ranked 45th in scoring defense, 66th in defensive FG%, & 37th in turnover margin, however, the offense has struggled at times and come into this matchup ranked just 155th in scoring offense & 322nd in FG%. BYU has bee solid on both ends of the court as they come into this game ranked 78th in scoring offense, 78th in FG%, 141st in scoring defense, & 104th in defensive FG%.

BYU is a tough team to play on the road as they come into this game with a 14-2 home record, however, Washington State has the defense to give BYU trouble. Washington State was impressive in one of the tough road environments in College Basketball against SMU and as I think Washington State gives BYU trouble, I think the play here is to take Washington State and the points. Good Luck!

Brett Nault's Free Pick: Washington State Cougars +3

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Brett Nault

Brett has been involved with sports his entire life, whether playing them or betting on them, and loves using his education in data analytics to break down all matchups to get you a competitive edge. Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05

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